contemporary portraiture
There is a quiet intensity to Cassian Bilton that reveals itself not through overt performance, but through stillness. When we met at my London studio, the aim was not to create a character, but to allow something truer to surface—an unguarded moment where thought, restraint, and presence coexist.
Read MoreFor years, I’ve held an ambition close to my creative heart: to photograph the extraordinary quartet behind The League of Gentlemen. Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, and Jeremy Dyson forged a world of pitch-black humour, grotesque beauty, and unforgettable characters. As a teenager, their work opened a doorway to the kind of atmospheric, stylised storytelling that still influences my portraiture today.
Read MoreCapturing the essence of youth in a historical framework is a rare and delicate challenge. For my ongoing ChronoVisions project, I had the opportunity to photograph Oleksandr Chepikov, a talented young actor, at my studio in Los Angeles. This portrait became an exploration of timelessness through the lens of innocence and quiet determination.
Read MoreOne of the most rewarding aspects of my ChronoVisions project is the ability to explore the emotions and complexities of my subjects within a historical and artistic framework. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing Barbara Ramos, a striking and thoughtful subject whose presence brought a unique depth to this ongoing series.
Read MoreAs a photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of history and storytelling. My latest portrait, titled "The Civil Code," is a continuation of my ChronoVisions series, a project inspired by the enigmatic Chronovisor and the allure of exploring different eras through art. This particular portrait takes its cues from the Napoleonic era, a time of revolutionary change and enduring influence.
Read MoreIt’s not every day you get to work with someone who was a huge part of your teenage years, but that's exactly what happened when I had the pleasure of photographing the brilliant Paul Kaye for my ChronoVisions: An Epochal Fusion series. Known for his iconic character Dennis Pennis and more recently his roles in Game of Thrones and After Life, Paul brought a unique and captivating energy to the shoot. What unfolded was an unforgettable collaboration that seamlessly merged historical narrative with contemporary portraiture.
Read MoreUgbana Oyet serves as the Serjeant at Arms of the House of Commons, a role steeped in centuries of parliamentary history. The office dates back to 1415, when the Serjeant was responsible for enforcing the orders of the House—including making arrests. Today, the role is defined by both authority and tradition, with ceremonial duties such as carrying the mace in the Speaker’s Procession and during the State Opening of Parliament.
Read MoreSarah Clarke OBE made history in November 2017 when she was appointed Black Rod—the first woman to hold the position in its more than 650-year history. She formally assumed her duties as Lady Usher of the Black Rod in February 2018, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of one of Parliament’s oldest offices.
Read MoreInviting former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair to sit for a portrait in London was a remarkable opportunity. Serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007, he was the third former leader I have photographed—an exciting and significant moment in my ongoing work documenting contemporary political history.
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